Big Small Talk
Politikk og nyheterBig Small Talk: 5 PM Tuesdays So you want to know what’s happening in parliament, but you also want to know the latest in pop culture? Good, as you should. From the front page to your newsfeeds, no story is too serious, stale, funny or frivolous. Because, if you haven’t realised, loving pop culture doesn’t mean you don’t understand politics. Knowing all your shit? That’s hot. New Episodes 5pm Tuesday. Small Talk: 6 AM Thursdays It might not be tangible news but each week there’s something in the cultural zeitgeist that gets us all talking. We want to unpack these frivolous conversations, from new trends to relationship theories to life advice. In an age of never-ending small talk, we want to examine how these collective thoughts affect the way we see the world. We may even reach out to a few friends and experts to weigh in. Big Talk: Wednesday 6 AM - Last Two Weeks of Every Month Over the past few decades, there have been news headlines so shocking that we still hear and feel their impact, such as Roe V Wade, Monica Lewinsky, Epstein, Mabo and Hillsong. Don’t you think it’s about time you knew all the important and salacious details about the real stories that have happened that shaped our world today? Come on, I know you’re curious.
Siste episoder av Big Small Talk podcast
- SMALL TALK: How Do We Know If It's Appropriation (& Can I Not Wear It?) With Kriti Gupta (00:29:27)
Inspired by an article Kriti Gupta wrote for Elle, Fast Fashion Has A Problem With Co-Opting South Asian Design, this weeks small talk will be an open conversation around how TikTok trends and major fashion houses co-opt different cultures. We discuss the trickle down effect of that on everyday consumers and how so many of these trends might be taken from other cultures without so many even realising.
- BIG TALK: The Epstein Files PART ONE (00:44:42)
Epstein is a name that has dominated the headlines for years. To convince you of how pivotal this story is - let me use a recent direct quote from Trump himself. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years … are people still talking about this guy, this creep? … I can’t believe you’re asking a question about Epstein.” Or perhaps, this ABC headline, “The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein is haunting the world's most powerful men” Or Politico, “Conspiracies and political theatre around Epstein files keep the legacy alive.” So, who was this man? Who is Ghislaine Maxwell? What did they actually do? Who was involved? What was the Sweet Hearts deal? This is what we hope to begin to answer in the part one of this months Big Talk.
- New Heights Podcast, Putin's Meeting & TV Reboots (00:59:50)
Sourdough, internet hate, being in love, the new album, countless easter eggs - we go through everything of note from the New Heights and Taylor Swift 2 Hour Podcast Episode. Also, a conversation about if we should expect Taylor Swift to be political. Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week and failed to negotiate a ceasefire for Ukraine, in news that surprises no one. Sex and City Reboot, And Just Like That, has come to an end. Reigniting the age-old Hollywood question: can reboots ever truly recapture the magic? Multiple charges were dropped against convicted mushroom killer, Erin Patterson. Here’s what we didn’t know during the trial. Qantas illegally fired more than 1800 staff in 2020, and has received a $90 million record breaking fine.
- SMALL TALK: Is Feminism About Choice? With Kriti Gupta (00:29:13)
This week we tackle a big, very current conversation - the complexities of choice feminism. Kriti Gupta, a writer and multi hyphenate creative chats to me today about the difference waves of feminism, what choice feminism is, acceptance that no one can embody the 'perfect' feminist and how to be better aware of positions of privilege. It's a complicated conversation and this is still only scratching the surface, so keen to hear your thoughts and ideas for further conversations! Follow Kriti on Instagram Follow Big Small Talk on Instagram Follow Sarah on Instagram
- The Life of a Showgirl, Las Culturistas Award Show & Palestine Recognition (00:57:18)
FOLLOW BIG SMALL TALK ON ON INSTAGRAM TS12 is coming!! The Kelce brothers podcast secure the big new album announcement. NSW MP for Kiama and convicted criminal, Gareth Ward, tried to keep his job from prison. The Las Culturalista's podcast has made headlines with their new Awards Show. Kathleen Folbigg, who was wrongfully convicted of the murder of her children, is offered only $2 million in compensation from the NSW government. Sex toys were thrown on court during multiple WNBA games, claimed as a marketing tool by a new cryptocurrency, sparking conversation about the disrespect to women's sport. Australia will recognise a Palestinian state, Anthony Albanese announced yesterday.
- SMALL TALK: Are Weddings For You, Your Guests or Instagram? With ZigsMom (00:47:55)
Let's talk about Weddings. There are endless discussions we could have about traditions, proposals, wedding parties, expenses and events. Thankfully, Carmen (ZigsMom) is not only a friend and incredibly funny, she is somewhat of a wedding expert having attended so many now. We ask, do you want a wedding? A proposal? How should you ask your wedding party? Are Hen's tacky now? Do you want to be walked down the aisle? What about kids at weddings? Would you be thinking about social content? Do influencers owe us their wedding content? Are weddings for you or your guests or instagram?
- Sydney Sweeney Ad, Ghislaine Maxwell Requests Pardon & Palestine Protests (00:56:54)
Why was the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Ad such a hot topic this week? We discuss eugenics, Sydney being Republican, if the discourse is justified and Trumps recent Tweet (naming both Sydney and Taylor Swift). The protest in Sydney for Palestine across the Harbour Bridge had a huge turnout, prompting more of a response from the Labor government. Ghislaine Maxwell asks for Pardon and Immunity to speak to the Supreme Court about Epstein. She is shockingly transferred to a more comfortable prison and had meetings with the Deputy Attorney General for two days. Second week of Parliament leads to approval of the HELP debt 20%, climate misinformation probe and changes to the social media ban. Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are dating! Oh, and apparently maybe Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau.
- SMALL TALK: Should I Still Be On 'The Pill'? With Dr Jen Gunter (00:56:15)
I am lucky enough to be joined today by OBGYN, NYT best selling author and content creator Dr Jen Gunter. Following recent discussions on the podcast about Lorde saying coming off the pill was the 'best drug' and an influx of anti-pill content online, I was feeling a little unsure if this was something I should still be taking. Dr Gunter answered all my questions - does it impact who we're attracted to? Do we need to be tracking period cycles? Can the pill alter our brains? Can it make us infertile if we're on it too long or bad at taking it? Do some pills make us 'crazier' than others? Is cycle tracking effective as contraception? Is anti-pill content right wing programming? Dr Jen Gunter Socials Big Small Talk Socials Dr Jen Gunter BOOKS
- Triple J Aussie Countdown, Parliament Returns & South Park (00:57:02)
The top 10 voted best Australian songs of all time thanks to special Triple J countdown. Parliament returns, cost of living and HECS tops the agenda. Penny Wong introduced a motion to condemn the actions of Hamas, the coalition tried to amend it to remove references to Palestinian suffering, Greens senator Faruqi protested by holding a sign that read "Gaza is starving". South Park kicks off new season following their new billion dollar deal with Paramount by taking aim at both Paramount and the Trump administration. South Australia is currently responding to an Agal bloom. Astronomer (company behind the infamous Coldplay concert cam scandal) hires Gwyneth Paltrow.
- SMALL TALK: Do You Also Have Mid-Year Burn Out? (00:35:21)
Hannah is back for this mid-year check-in episode! We open up about how we're feeling in our current work - Hannah post-election and Sarah as a freelancer. We chat about what we can do to help burn out and the best lessons we've learned in 2025 so far.
- BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART TWO (00:39:03)
In part two we discuss the short and long term impact of the Mabo Case. We look at how Australians responded, the fear mongering and misinformation and how Keating handled it at the time. We then open up the Wik Case, which addressed native title and pastoral leases. The Howard government response to this, his 10 point plan and how this impacted Native Title.
- Coldplay Concert, Trump sues Murdoch & Charli XCX Married (00:49:41)
Follow us on Instagram Why is the world so invested in the Coldplay concert cheating scandal? Trump sues Murdoch over the Wall Streets Journal's coverage of his and Epstein's friendship. Charli XCX gets married in a low-key ceremony. Pete Davidson announces he and his girlfriend Elsie are expecting a baby. The Federal Court has determined the government does not owe a duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders to prevent climate harm. Sudden cancellation of Colbert's late night show raises eyebrows. Israel’s Defence Minister proposed a plan to forcibly relocate the entire population of Gaza to a so-called “humanitarian city”.
- SMALL TALK: How Do Hollywood Movies Influence Our Politics? With Allison Williams (00:53:35)
This is a VERY exciting episode if you, like me, grew up watching the HBO's hit show GIRLS, have seen the Megan movies and also thought Jordan Peele's movie 'Get Out' was a cinematic masterpiece! I got the opportunity to chat to the incredible lead actress, Allison Williams! I asked Allison about the powerful messaging behind all her chosen projects. Starting with Girls, we discuss what was so groundbreaking at the time, being a Marine apologist and what would be different if Girls existed in todays current political climate. We then chatted through why Get Out struck a chord in so many people, the broken conversation about race in both America and Australia and how her character was developed. Finally, we talk about Megan 2.0 (in cinemas now!) and how that reflected current day politics around the use of Artificial Intelligence. A big thank you to Universal Studios
- BIG TALK: The Mabo Case PART ONE (00:37:24)
This was such a pivotal moment in Australia’s history, a fascinating legal case and a man, Eddie Mabo, whose story we should all know. Really, what was so important about the Mabo decision is that it challenged one of the biggest lies at the heart of Australia’s foundation — that the land was empty when the British arrived. So today we want to look at who Eddie Mabo was, how his case came to be and the journey of him taking it all the way to the High Court - forcing Australians to formally recognise that our Indigenous people had rich culture, laws and land ownership long before British invasion.
- Epstein's List, SWAG album & Superman Movie (00:49:47)
Justin Bieber releases seventh studio album, SWAG. Unpacking the recommendations handed down by the Special Envoy to combat Anti Semitism. Trump backflips and announces there is no list in the Jeffrey Epstein files, dividing MAGA and fuelling conspiracy theories. Findings from the NT Coroners Inquest into the death Kumanjayi Walker. Superman movie sparks debate over it's perceived 'anti Israel propaganda'. Trumps tariffs threats on Australian pharmaceuticals.
- SMALL TALK: How Do I Change My Relationship With Money? With So Invested (00:42:22)
Lets talk about a topic that many of us may find a little scary, money. The lovely Soph and Maddy from the So Invested Podcast open up about their own money journey, why we might feel uncomfortable or behind, our 'money type' and some practical tips and tricks we can use in the new financial year.
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs Verdict, Alligator Alcatraz & Erin Patterson Guilty (00:49:24)
Diddy has been acquitted of the most serious of charges; racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. But the jury has found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. What it means now that Trumps 'Big Beautiful Bill' has passed and the opening of Alligator Alcatraz. The jury, after 6 days of deliberation, has found Erin Patterson guilty on three counts of murder and one on attempted murder. A male childcare worker in Victoria has been charged with more than 70 crimes against children.
- SMALL TALK: Would You Send a 'Hey Girly' Message? (00:34:06)
The dreaded Hey Girly message. If you don't know what that is, it's the decision to message a poor girl to let her know her partner has been caught out doing the wrong thing (cheating, on a dating app, flirting with others, done something in his past, been particularly rude). To receive one is the worst but to have to send one is equally terrifying. Would you send it? How would you react? Would you be thankful?
- Bezos Wedding, Glastonbury & Antoinette Lattouf Wins (00:55:29)
Billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez 50 million dollar wedding creates an online stir from the guest list, styling choices and protests. The Federal Court rules that the ABC had unlawfully sacked journalist Antoinette Lattouf. Glastonbury festival in the UK feels particularly politically charged this year with many acts choosing to speak on Palestine. Zohran Mamdani wins the NYC mayoral election primary. Anna Wintour steps down as the editor in chief of Vogue after nearly 40 years.
- SMALL TALK: What Can We Learn From Attachment Styles? With Psychologist Rashida (00:37:07)
Lets talk about the theory that helped catapult therapy speak and therapytok into the online mainstream - attachment styles. Today I am joined by Rashida Dungarwalla the founder and Principal Psychologist of Flow State Space - which is a psychology practice in Surry Hills, Sydney. We chat about the origins of the theory, the different styles and the limitations of putting too much down to ones attachment style.
- BIG TALK: The Salem Witch Trials PART TWO (00:44:49)
In part two we discuss how the legal trials took place, which 'witch tests' the court used, why this went unchecked and how long it took until people began to express their remorse and how this has been reflected on in history.
- US Bombs Iran, Mushroom Trial & JB Standing On Business (00:54:47)
US bombs Iran to wipe out potential nuclear weaponry, Trump declares ceasefire. The trial of Erin Patterson, the poison mushroom lady, nears its end. New Australian tax reform announcement. Justin and Hailey Bieber divorce rumours amidst bizarre string of Instagram posts, captions and viral paparazzi moment.
- SMALL TALK: Which 'Wellness' Trends Are Actually Toxic? With Laura Henshaw (00:58:00)
I am very excited to have the gorgeous Laura Henshaw, co-founder and CEO of KIC app and co-host of KICPOD, as the Small Talk guest this week! We first have to discuss the very exciting news of her pregnancy and how she is feeling after her series 'Do I Want Kids?'. But the crux of todays episode is actually to pick Laura's brain on all the different 'wellness' trends that I am being bombarded with online - from #diettok to #skinnytok to gut health. How do we know which ones are toxic? What is the effect of these trends? TULA DRINKS (my friends adorable looking, delicious, non-alcoholic drinks brand that we're sipping on!) Use the code SMALLTALK for one month free when you sign up to Kic on a monthly subscription at www.kicapp.com. Available for new and returning users only. Expires September 30th, 2025.
- BIG TALK: The Salem Witch Trials PART ONE (00:40:21)
We know this one is a little different and certainly not something the was hitting he headlines in our lifetime! However, the Witch Trials are a fascinating part of history that is continually referred to and remains relevant to our modern day and continually experiences resurgences in our pop culture. So in part one, we look at the origins of witches, what led to the Salem witch trials, who the 'afflicted' girls were and who were among the first to be accused. We also see parallels to our modern day in the way women and minorities were targeted and conservatism weaponised.
- ICE Raids, Sabrina Carpenter & Iran (00:57:52)
Another huge week in the news. An update on the ICE raids, deployment of the national guard, protests and curfew enforced in LA. Sabrina Carpenters new album cover creates massive online controversy. Israel launched multiple strikes across Iran and they have now responded with further attacks. Australian influencer Indy Clinton hires a private investigator to find the anonymous trolls who have been attacking her online. Trump administration puts AUKUS under review. Call Her Daddy host, Alex Cooper, reveals in new documentary that she was sexually assaulted by her college Soccer Coach for years.